Hawthorn Board Highlights

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Present

• Michael Engle
• Joel Finfer - call in
• Robin Cleek
• George Fievet
• Julie Clifford
• Karl Borchers

Absent

• Stephanie Peters

One of the goals of the Board of Education is to recognize the accomplishments of those who play a significant role in advancing Hawthorn’s tradition of excellence. This includes teachers, staff, students and community members. Nominate someone for recognition today!

President Cleek noted the school year is off to a strong start, with successful parent and curriculum nights across schools

Mr. Engle reported that there was a review of the 2025–26 Continuous Improvement Plan with four goals and related objectives. The plan was approved by the Executive Board earlier in the day.

Vice-President George Fievet reported an update on the summer projects:

• Middle North: Renovations are wrapping up.

• Middle South: Planning a major renovation in 2026, modeled after Middle North’s updates. Work will include the library and main office. Design ideas will be reviewed in upcoming meetings to prepare for bidding this winter, with construction targeted for next summer before students return.

Transportation:

• The year began smoothly, with all routes running 40 minutes or less.

• Over 1,300 families have already downloaded and are using the My Ride app, which provides bus tracking and updates.

Food Service:

• Quest is working on menu consistency across buildings and rolling out new menu items.

• A new parent advisory committee (with PTO collaboration) is being developed to increase family engagement and provide feedback on meal offerings.

Julie Clifford provided a reminder about the upcoming Hawthorn Hoptoberfest in partnership with the PTO.

• Date: October 11

• Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.

• Location: Melody Farm (Vernon Hills)

Dr. Hannigan welcomed families back and noted that the school year has begun positively. He highlighted the importance of aligning resources with enrollment and staffing needs while staying true to district goals of academic excellence, closing achievement gaps, and supporting the whole child. Dr. Hannigan recognized Dr. Stein and Mrs. Corrigan for leading the Hawthorn Educator Induction Program, which helps integrate new teachers into the district.

Policy Work

• Dr. Hannigan reported on the policy subcommittee meeting (Sept. 5) which reviewed 34 policies from PRESS Issues 118 and 119.

• He highlighted several changes:

  • Residency Policy (7:60): Reaffirmed the district will only accept non-resident students when required by state/federal law or court order.

  • Attendance & Truancy (7:70): Expanded valid reasons for absences, reflecting updated legal references.

  • Restrictions on Publications (7:310): Updated to include a definition of sexting.

  • Student Behavior (7:190): Updated with continuous improvement changes.

  • Student Records (7:340): Updated with revised legal references and guidance.

• Assistant Superintendent Adam Palmer presented enrollment data from the first ten days of school.

• He emphasized the district’s goals: high achievement, closing gaps, and supporting the whole child.

• Staffing adjustments are being made to align with enrollment trends while maintaining these goals.

• Policy Updates (PRESS 118 & 119) were reviewed.

• Compensation – The Board discussed teacher and administrator pay structures.

• Purchasing Cooperative Agreement – Considered membership in purchasing groups for cost efficiency.

• FY26 Maintenance Grant – Approved application for state funding for facility improvements.

The next Board of Education meeting will be held on October 16, 2025 at Hawthorn District Office.